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Lumin U2 mini vs Mac laptop sound test

I compared and performed a blind test for a listening friend of the following streamer set ups.

1. Router hard wire into Lumin U2 then AES into DAC

2. Wifi into Mac air, out of Mac air via cheap USB cables from my printer and an adapter to go from USB C to whatever USB termination goes into the DAC.

Conclusion.  My friend could not hear a diff.  I "think" I hear a difference but not confident I could pass a blind test. 

Rest of system:

SPL Director DAC/Preamp

SPL S1200 power amp

Kirmuss speaker cables 

Audio Solutions Figure M

I did this for knowledge and fun.  Please let me know any thoughts but I can not see how spending a lot of money for a streamer makes any sound difference. 

John

Love this stuff

johnah5
johnah5 OP
220 posts
 

@designsfx 

The volume was different until I switched the button to allow Tidal to have full control of the sound and "adjust volume with another program".   

It was a significant probelm when I first did it. 

@wlutke 

I am glad you heard a diff and that is what I was expecting.  I am surprised by the results.  If anyone is in the Indianapolis area I woiuld love to do this experiement and have them listen

freightdac
4 posts
 

there was a difference when I switched from laptop (operated on Server 2019 OS) to u2 mini.

I used usb cable.

Dynamics, imaging, bass, so much improvements.

p05129
481 posts
 

Software is the main difference. I went the external streamer route then went back. Roon on any OS vs Audirvana on Linux, that’s the test you want to do. 

pkvintage's avatar
pkvintage
199 posts
 

I will say this about direct comparisons. I find during A/B gear testing gear can sound very much the same. It’s when you listen over a period of time and I don’t mean a few hours I mean days or weeks or months. That is when you hear small sounds that just suddenly appear. The bells that just ring a little ring a little more natural.  the piano that comes to life.  Clarity and detail that you didn’t pick up on the first time around.  

I have had a lot of gear to test my comments on  

PK

lanx0003
663 posts
 

It is great that you have discovered that. Situation and the outcomes for everyone is quite diverging. If the difference is not audible, you could probably consider selling the dedicated streamer and just stream with Mac. It is a wonderful thing.  I wish I could do that too and get back to the foobar2000 with EQ capability but, in my case, the dedicated streamer just sound better to my ear.

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